ROCKLAND — Helen Barbara (Hughes) McAuliffe, 95, died Jan. 22, 2015 at Pen Bay Medical Center following a heart attack. Helen grew up in Camden, the only child of John and Evelyn Hughes.

Helen attended elementary school in Camden, high school at The Academy of the Assumption in Wellesley, Mass., and she graduated from Marymount College in New York as an English major and music minor. She was an accomplished vocalist coached by the famous Russian artist, Donna Paola Novikova. In recognition of Helen's talent, she was honored with a recital at Carnegie Hall. After graduation, she was at a crossroad in her life — whether to pursue a career as a professional vocalist or go to graduate school at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She chose graduate school working toward a master’s in social work. She took leave from her studies during World War II to work for the Red Cross helping returning soldiers.

Through friends of her family, she met John J. McAuliffe, who had recently returned from serving in the Army Air Corps in China. They were married in Camden in 1945. Helen and Jack lived in Camden until 1958, when they moved with their five children to Rockland. Jack would become Rockland's postmaster and Helen would continue her service to others by working as a social worker and later as a case work supervisor for the Maine Dept. of Health and Human Services. Following her example, all of her children became involved in social work and health care. Helen was a founding member of the Camden Catholic Women's Club, sang in St. Bernard's Choir and with Jack was a founder and volunteered at the St. Bernard's Catholic Church Soup Kitchen.

Helen was a wonderful cook. She encouraged not only her daughters, but sons to be comfortable and proficient in the kitchen, preparing delicious meals for two to 20 guests.

Following Jack's death in 2003, Helen lived in her own home in Pen Bay Acres. She was able to enjoy this independent lifestyle with the daily support and assistance provided by her son, Brian, and her daughter, Patricia. Helen also appreciated the care provided by PALS for Living, especially Marilyn Lustgarten who cared for her the past five years.

Left to cherish fond memories of their mother are Deacon John J. McAuliffe Jr. and his wife, Paula of South Portland, Kathleen Noonan and her husband, Timothy, of Scarborough, Dr. Kevin McAuliffe and his wife, Dr. Sandra Mercier, of Jacksonville, Fla., Patricia McAuliffe of Rockland, and Brian McAuliffe, also of Rockland. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Kathleen Stinton and her husband, Kenneth, Kelly Murphy and her husband, John, Kerry Hampton and her husband,Timothy, Timothy Noonan and his wife, Jahn, Kiley DiGloria and her husband, Joshua, Kristen Noonan, Kaitlin Spires and her husband, John, Thomas Noonan and Patrick McAuliffe; as well as 12 great-grandchildren.

The family expresses their gratitude and affection for the staff at Pen Bay Medical Center, for their skill, kindness and empathy in their care of Helen.

The family will share memories of Helen Friday, Jan. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. om Rockland. Her funeral will be held Saturday, Jan. 31 at 10 a.m at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 150 Broadway in Rockland. A reception will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Helen's name can be made to St. Bernard's Catholic Church Soup Kitchen, c/o St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, 7 Union St., Camden, ME 04843; The Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841; or the charity of one’s choice.